More than 200 people attended the May 27 Memorial Day observance in Eisenhower Park. There were 200 chairs surrounding the center of the park, most of them filled, and there appeared to be half again as many standing behind the chairs. An exact headcount was not possible. (Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach reported 300 guests at their service at the World War II Submarine Memorial.)
The Southeast County Young Marines were still rehearsing the presentation of the colors before noon. The event was held at 1 p.m.
Organizers presented bouquets of flowers to mothers who brought children to the event.
All five Seal Beach City Council members were present. District Four Council Member/Mayor Schelly Sustarsic was the only one who spoke.
“In the late 1960s, this day became known as Memorial Day and the observance day was changed to the last Monday in May. Seal Beach is home to the national submarine Memorial West. I was just over there for their ceremonies,” Sustarsic said.
“At the memorial, there’s a memorial plaque for each submarine,” Sustarsic said. She thanked the Lions Club for cleaning and refreshing the plaques at the Submarine Memorial. Sustarsic thanked the Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce for decorating some of the Submarine Memorial plaques each month.
Capt. Braden Phillips (retired), U.S. Navy, had special praise for the Young Marines.
“The Young Marines that were out here earlier, receiving pins from the Lions Club, are unique among our young people,” Phillips said.
This was the first time that the Lions Club presented pins to members of the Young Marines at the local Memorial Day event.
“They are making a commitment to this country at a very early age. And the professionalism with which they presented the colors was emblematic of the corps. I get a lot a lot of opportunities to work with Marines during my time on active duty and ladies and gentlemen from the young marines. You did the Corps proud today congratulations,” Phillips said.
The retired captain also praised Chad Berlinghieri’s performance of the National Anthem. “Well done, sir,” Phillips said.
“Sobering thought here: Including the Civil War, over 1.3 million servicemembers have died in combat. Even in peacetime, we lose over 1,000 men and women each year in training and other military evolutions,” he said.
He said for more than 50 years, the armed services have been an all-volunteer force. He said less than 1% of the population are service members.
“In fact, only 6% of our population has ever served,” Phillips said.
“These men and women freely acknowledge the risks associated with military service and are still willing to raise the right hands and swears to support and defend the Constitution of our United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, for the other 99% of our citizens. That is an awesome responsibility and commitment,” he said.
Navy Commander Jamie French, executive officer at Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, said this was special to her. “Since I was born and raised in Los Alamitos, I drove by the Weapons Station, I cannot tell you how many times, I literally had no idea what you did there when I was that age,” French said.
French explained that the base stores and maintains missiles and torpedoes that are loaded on warships that are being deployed overseas. “Once these vessels come back from deployment, we then offload those munitions and prepare them for the next deployment. We do the same thing for Marine Corps ammunition carried on by our previous assault ships. So now, moving back here 26 years later, I never would have thought that I wouldn’t be second command,” French said.
“From the earliest moments of our nation to the present, the history speaks volumes about the often ignored cost of freedom, the selfless sacrifices of our servicemembers, both inside and outside the combat zones. And the incredible debt of gratitude we owe all of those who put their lives on the line for our nation. So this Memorial Day next memorial day and everyday in between. Please take a moment to remember all of our soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen, guardians and Coast Guardsmen who perished in in wars as well as peacetime they died protecting all of our freedoms,” French said.
Coast Guard Commander (retired) Lisa Sharkey led the tribute to Lion and veteran Tom Bell.
“Today, I would like to share and memorialize a person that epitomized service to others, a remarkable, remarkable individual: Decorated veteran, helicopter pilot, a devoted family man, a passionate military community advocate, and above all, a cherished friend, to me and many others,” Sharkey said.
“Before I get started, I would like to request your participation because I believe it is fitting and I do believe my friend would completely not approve. But please join me in saying his name allowing for all to hear,” Sharkey said.
The crowd said Thomas Bell’s name loudly and clearly.
“As a friend Tom was always there to offer a listening ear, a helping hand or shoulder to lean on his kindness, humor and genuine care for others created a bond that will lifter long after his passing,” Sharkey said.
Pastor Bob Wriedt, of Grace Community Church, performed the opening and closing prayers.
